The 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO shown with the race version of the sports car.
Nissan made the day for fans attending the annual ZDAYZ event with the surprise world debut of the 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO.
The ZDAYZ event is an annual gathering of Nissan Z car aficionados held in Fontana Dam, North Carolina, which is near the legendary Tail of the Dragon, a favorite route for sports car fans. Launched in 2004, it’s billed as an events “by enthusiasts for enthusiasts,” though there seemed to be few who minded the automaker crashing the party for the unexpected unveiling.
For those who might have missed the evolution of Nissan’s performance program, the maker has been putting increased emphasis on the NISMO sub-brand. What started out as a specialty racing program is now following a path not unlike the BMW M and Mercedes-AMG lines, delivering muscled-up versions of popular Nissan models ranging from the 370Z and GT-R to the little Rogue crossover.
“NISMO is the heart and soul of Nissan performance, both for the track and on the street, so it’s fitting that we are showing the dramatic new 2015 370Z NISMO for the first time at a gathering of our most loyal and enthusiast owners,” said Nissan Chief Planning Officer and Executive Vice President Andy Palmer.
The 2015 update of the NISMO Z now gets an optional 7-speed automatic gearbox.
For 2015, the Nissan 370Z NISMO delivers a number of exterior and interior revisions, as well as some performance enhancements. New for the year is a 7-speed automatic option for those who don’t want the traditional, 6-speed manual.
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The exterior updates are “inspired,” the maker says, by its GT-R supercar, and put an emphasis on integrated aerodynamic enhancements and improved downforce, both front and back. There’s a new, deep front fascia with integrated LED daytime running leights and black headlight bezels, as well as a unique NISMO rear spoiler. Red stripe accents on the front spoiler, mirrors and redesigned side sills, meanwhile, make the 370Z NISMO even more of a visual standout.
The standard 19-inch NISMO lightweight forged alloy wheels have also been restyled, with a new twin-five spoke design.
Inside, there are redesigned Recaro seats exclusive to the NISMO Z, designed to provide more uniform body pressure, Nissan explains, no matter how you’re thrashing the 2-seater around. The cabin also boasts NISMO-logoed Alcantra and leather details.
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A new Tech Model is added for 2015.
A new Tech Model debuts for 2015, with a harddrive-based navigation system with its 7.0-inch touch display.
What remains the same is the heart of the beast, a 350-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control, though buyers can now opt for either the familiar 6-speed stick or now pair the engine to a new 7-speed automatic. Like the manual transmission, the automatic gearbox features Downshift Rev Matching, as well as Adaptive Shift Control and manual mode with paddle shifters.
The 2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO is set to go on sale in July. The maker hasn’t revealed pricing yet. The outgoing NISMO Z with the 6-speed manual starts at $43,020.
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